The severe effect of coronavirus on the world population has created a shortage of hand sanitizers. With scientists and researchers urging people to use hand wash and sanitizers frequently, sellers are charging outrageously inflated prices for their hand sanitizer products. Still, people are continuing to empty store shelves of medical and sanitary supplies with the hope of protecting them against a more widespread outbreak. While using a sanitizer is an effective and smart way to combat the outraging coronavirus, you are unlikely to get one in the market with the sudden rush for such a product caused by the panic over the COVID-19.

So, what should you do if you can’t get your hands cleaned with some alcohol-based sanitizer? Here is a list of some of the dos and don’ts which you can follow to avoid a COVID-19 attack –

Do’s

• Wash your hands thoroughly using water. This is a basic step that most people overlook while searching for the best ways to avoid a coronavirus threat.
• While shopping for a hand sanitizer, even it is a local brand, it should contain at least 60 percent alcohol, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This cancels out some of the herbal and kid-friendly options from your shopping list.
• If you decide to make your own hand sanitizer, make sure it also contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Some DIY recipes that suggest using liquor like vodka might not attain the threshold limit as vodka is known to contain only 40 percent alcohol.
• Dry out your hands properly before applying any sanitizer. Research studies reveal that wet hands protect the influenza A virus, making use of the hand sanitizer less effective.

Don’ts

• Avoid preparing DIY hand sanitizers that recommend using essential oils as the base ingredient. They are less likely to counter viruses like the COVID-19.
• Even if you have a small travel-size bottle of the sanitizer, don’t be conservative with it. Remember that you need to cover both surfaces of your hand for the sanitizer to serve your purpose. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends rubbing the solution on your hand until it gets dry.
• Avoid using a sanitizer on dirty or greasy hands. It will be less effective in preventing virus invasion.
• All anti-bacterial wipes are not likely to do the job of fighting all viruses and infections. Ingredients like the Benzalkonium chloride was found to be less effective than ethanol, sodium hypochlorite, or hydrogen peroxide for fighting the coronavirus.
• Baby wipes will not serve the purpose of protecting you from viral infections as they don’t contain any alcohol. So, rubbing them in your hands will not remove the germs, unlike soap or clean running water.

Some Additional Precautionary Measures

Besides the dos and don’ts listed above to ensure safety in the absence of hand sanitizers, some additional guidance might help you to prevent the spread of this disease.

• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or engaging in other activities that might dirty your hands. Use soap and water to clean your hands and scrub for at least 20 seconds before washing it out with water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, hands, and nose unless required.
• Stay away from people who are sick to avoid contracting the virus.
• Stay at home and get yourself tested if you are experiencing symptoms similar to the ones mentioned for the COVID-19. This will help to prevent the spread of this disease.